Nursing 101 Pharmacology HESI Prep- Nicholls State University

 Androgens: Most names end with -terone (e.g., testosterone).
 Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: Most names end with -
pril (e.g., enalapril).
 Antidiuretic hormones: Most names end in -pressin (e.g., desmopressin).
 Antilipemic medications: Many end with -statin (e.g., atorvastatin).
 Antiviral medications: Most contain vir (e.g., acyclovir).
 Benzodiazepines: Although this class includes medications such as alprazolam
and chlordiazepoxide, most names such as diazepam end in -pam. (Another tip for
identifying a benzodiazepine: The name includes a vowel-z-vowel combination.)
 Beta-adrenergic blockers: Most names end with -lol (e.g., atenolol).
 Calcium channel blockers: Most names end in -pine (e.g., amiodipine);
exceptions include diltiazem and verapamil.
 Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: Most names end in -mide (e.g., dorzolamide).
These medications are used to treat glaucoma.
 Estrogens: Most names contain -est (e.g., estradiol or conjugated estrogen).
 Glucocorticoids and corticosteroids: Most names end in -sone (e.g.,
prednisone).
 Histamine H2 receptor antagonists: Most names end in -dine (e.g.,
cimetidine).
 Nitrates: Most names contain nitr (e.g., nitroglycerin).
 Pancreatic enzyme replacements: Most names contain pancre (e.g.,
pancrealipase).
 Proton pump inhibitors: Most names end in -zole (e.g., lansoprazole).
 Sulfonamides: Most names include sulf (e.g., sulfasalazine).
 Sulfonylureas: Most names end in -ide (e.g., glipizide). These medications are
used to treat diabetes mellitus.
 Thiazide diuretics: Most names end in -zide (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide).
 Thrombolytics: Most names include -ase (e.g., alteplase).
 Thyroid hormones: Most names contain thy (e.g., levothyroxine).
 Xanthine bronchodilators: Most names end in -line (e.g., theophylline).




Classification Adverse Effects


Aminoglycosides Ototoxicity
Confusion, disorientation
Renal toxicity
GI irritation
Palpitations, blood pressure changes
Hypersensitivity reactions

Cephalosporins GI disturbances
Pseudomembranous colitis
Headache, dizziness, lethargy,
paresthesias
Nephrotoxicity
Superinfection

Fluoroquinolones Headache, dizziness, insomnia, depression
GI effects

, Bone marrow depression
Fever, rash, photosensitivity

Macrolides GI effects
Pseudomembranous colitis
Confusion, abnormal thinking
Superinfections
Hypersensitivity reactions

Lincosamides GI effects
Pseudomembranous colitis
Bone marrow depression

Monobactams GI effects
Hepatotoxicity
Allergic reactions

Penicillins and penicillinase- GI effects, including sore mouth and furry
resistant penicillins tongue
Superinfection
Hypersensitivity reactions, including
anaphylaxis

Sulfonamides GI effects
Hepatotoxicity
Nephrotoxicity
Bone marrow depression
Dermatological effects, including
hypersensitivity and photosensitivity
Headache, dizziness, vertigo, ataxia,
depression, seizures

Tetracyclines GI effects
Hepatotoxicity
Teeth (staining) and bone damage
Superinfections
Dermatological reactions, including rash
and photosensitivity
Hypersensitivity reactions

Antimycobacterials, leprostatics GI effects
Neuritis, dizziness, headache, malaise,
drowsiness, hallucinations

Antifungals GI effects
Headache, rash, anemia, hepatotoxicity
Hearing loss, peripheral neuritis



Side and Adverse Effects of Antineoplastic Medications

Although some side and adverse effects (e.g., anorexia, nausea and vomiting, alopecia, low
platelet and white blood cell [WBC] counts, infertility) are common to many types of
antineoplastic medications, certain medications have specific adverse effects.

 Cisplatin: ototoxicity, tinnitus, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, nephrotoxicity

 Cyclophosphamide: hemorrhagic cystitis

 Daunorubicin: heart failure, cardiac dysrhythmias

,  Doxorubicin and idarubicin: cardiotoxicity, cardiomyopathy, electrocardiographic changes

 Bleomycin sulfate: pulmonary toxicity

 Fluorouracil: phototoxicity, cerebellar dysfunction

 Methotrexate: photosensitivity, hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal (GI) and skin toxicity

 Vincristine sulfate: neurotoxicity (manifesting as numbness and tingling in the fingers and
toes)

 Tamoxifen citrate: edema, hypercalcemia, increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels

 Hormonal medications and enzymes: breast swelling, hot flashes, sex-characteristic
alterations, edema, weight gain, hypertension, thromboembolytic disorders




First Line TB Drugs

Isoniazid

 Isoniazid can cause hypersensitivity reactions, peripheral neuritis, neurotoxicity,
hepatotoxicity, visual disturbances, and pyridoxine deficiency.

 Instruct the client to avoid tyramine-containing foods, because they may cause a reaction
(e.g., red, itching skin; pounding heartbeat; lightheadedness; hot or clammy feeling;
headache) and, if this does occur, to notify the health care provider.

 Pyridoxine may be prescribed to prevent deficiency.

Rifampin

 Rifampin can cause hypersensitivity reactions, hepatotoxicity, visual disturbances, blood
dyscrasias, increased uric acid levels, and colitis.